Professor Maddy Arden, who led the research whilst at Sheffield Hallam University, presented the findings of the report at the UK COVID-19 Public Inquiry.
The report analysed the public’s adherence to the test, trace and isolate (TTI) system which was put in place during the pandemic and identified multiple barriers which undermined the success of the system.
Professor Arden said: “Most people wanted to follow the guidance around test, trace and isolate but people were often confused about exactly what they were supposed to be doing particularly as the guidance changed over time, and this led to a lack of trust.
“It was really difficult for those who had financial insecurity or who lacked a space to safely isolate, and there was not enough support provided to help them.”
Findings show that during the pandemic there was low adherence to self-isolation rules, particularly among disadvantaged groups, due to a lack of financial and practical support which exacerbated social inequalities.
The team also identified lack of trust as one of the biggest barriers to the TTI system. A lack of transparency and instances of non-adherence to isolation rules from prominent figures both had an impact on people’s adherence to the guidelines.
A lack of trust meant that although the NHS Test and Trace app was hoped to have played a central role in TTI, there was low usage of these apps due to privacy concerns.
Key barriers to testing included a misunderstanding of COVID-19 symptoms and a reluctance to test due to the potential positive result, which would have meant self-isolation was needed.
The report highlights a need for behavioural science and health psychology to play a larger role in future pandemic responses, as although behavioural scientists worked to support the COVID-19 response, their advice was not always fully integrated into messaging.
In their recommendations, the research team calls for future pandemic responses to be more equitable, with support available to those who find it hardest to adhere to guidance due to socioeconomic circumstances.
There is also a call for public health messaging during a pandemic to shift from rule-based enforcement to messaging that communicates risk to help build trust and adherence.
The report looked at adherence to COVID-19 guidelines across the UK with contributions from Professor Vivien Swanson from the University of Stirling, Dr Rhiannon Philips from Cardiff Metropolitan University and Dr Gillian Shorter from Queen’s University Belfast.
